The Colorado Evaluation and Action Lab at the University of Denver (DU) was created under the leadership of the Governor’s Office to unlock data-informed solutions to our most pressing social problems. Working together with a broad range of government and community partners, we conduct research with rigor to obtain the best available evidence to inform policies, programs, and investments. Our goal is to leverage data to inform policy and practice, set the wheels in motion to achieve and sustain change, and position our partners to pursue additional, meaningful change for the communities they serve with the guidance of eight essential elements: Prioritize Relationships, Learn Together, Apply Rigor, Activate Findings, Sustain Change, Make Connections, Welcome Risk for Reward, and act as a Bridge to the Research Community.

The Colorado Lab team currently consists of a three-person management team, a 6-person research team, as well as staff in operations and for the Linked Information Network of Colorado. The Colorado Lab also works closely with a network of affiliated researchers throughout the state. Colorado Lab research staff are required to possess a solid intuitive understanding of rigorous research methods and why they work, strong written and oral communication skills for explaining technical topics to non-experts, and coding skills necessary to manage and analyze longitudinal data efficiently. Staff members are expected to engage in a collaborative learning environment where employees are highly responsive to each other as well as to government and research partners. Staff hold themselves and each other responsible for completing high quality, well-documented work in a timely fashion.

Position Summary

The Colorado Lab seeks to hire a Staff Researcher I to support research and evidence-building activities across a variety of issue areas. Examples of our projects may be found on our website as well as our approach to building evidence. Funding for this position is secure for 2 years from date of hire with the possibility of an extension based on available funding, the needs of the Colorado Lab at that time, and employee performance.

Essential Functions

• The position will support project directors on all aspects of research and evaluation projects, which involve multiple partners, tight deadlines, and sensitive data. Example functions include:
• Develop trusting relationships with project partners by being responsive and communicating clearly and appropriately about project needs.
• Use expertise in subject matter and methodology to inform and strengthen project design, deliverables, and actionable dissemination.
• Complete a variety of analytic tasks, based on a project plan or scope, recommending deviations from the plan as appropriate, such as:
• Prepare, program, and administer data collection tools. Flag for Project Director potential data integrity issues
• Manage and clean datasets. Perform basic descriptive analyses with well documented code, and/or basic qualitative coding.
• Develop necessary documentation to support replicability.
• Gather primary data, if relevant for a project, such as developing surveys, conducting focus groups or interviews.
• Conduct literature reviews.
• Project manage the timely creation, quality checks, and contributions to deliverables.
• Coordinate with external consultants (e.g., subject matter experts, graphic designers, and statisticians) about project timelines and needs.
• Facilitate internal and external check-ins and meetings to meet project goals.
• Shepherd projects through the Institutional Review Board process.
• Effectively communicate orally and in writing to a lay audience about technical, analytic, and policy issues.
• Develop data visualizations and insight statements that convey the meaning or application of research findings
• Create content for layered communication such as executive summaries, factsheets, and social media messaging.
• Engage in other duties as necessary, requested, and appropriate to support the mission of the Colorado Lab.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Demonstrated passion for improving government performance and addressing complex social problems.
• Excellence in both written and oral communications.
• Experience with technical writing for research audiences, communication for policymakers and practitioners, and slide decks.
• Exceptional organizational skills and creativity in problem solving.
• Solid quantitative and qualitative analytical skills.
• Experience with approaches across the Steps to Building Evidence
• Experience generating and/or using data to drive insights and action.
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and relevant experience with, research and evaluation in culturally diverse communities and health/social equity.
• Self-motivated with an orientation towards results and a track record of driving results with limited supervisory direction.
• Eagerness to learn, attention to detail, and ability to balance competing priorities and tight deadlines.

Required Qualifications

• Master’s in public policy, public health, mental health, anthropology, sociology, economics, criminal justice, law, statistics, or a related field.
• 3 years of experience working in or conducting research or evaluation in topic areas relevant to the Colorado Lab’s work: children and youth, education and workforce, justice system, health and mental health.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with administrative data
• Experience using a variety of statistical programs (e.g., STATA, R)
• Experience project managing complex projects
• Experience in implementation science
• Experience in program design and performance management
• Familiarity with state government operations

Working Environment

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Must be based in Colorado with a balance of virtual and in-person work typically located in the Denver metro area.

Physical Activities

1. Ability to sit in front of a computer for an extended period of time.
2. Occasionally required to move about the office.

Work Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Must be based in Colorado with a balance of virtual and in-person work typically located in the Denver metro area.

Application Deadline

For best consideration, please submit your application materials by 4:00pm (MST) September 27, 2024.

Special Instructions

Candidates must apply online through jobs.du.edu to be considered. Only applications submitted online will be accepted.

Salary Grade Number:

The salary grade for the position is 10.

Salary Range:

The salary range for this position is $65,000- $75,000.

The University of Denver has provided a compensation range that represents its good faith estimate of what the University may pay for the position at the time of posting. The University may ultimately pay more or less than the posted compensation range. The salary offered to the selected candidate will be determined based on factors such as the qualifications of the selected candidate, departmental budget availability, internal salary equity considerations, and available market information, but not based on a candidate’s sex or any other protected status.

Benefits:

The University of Denver offers excellent benefits, including medical, dental, retirement, paid time off, tuition benefit and ECO pass. The University of Denver is a private institution that empowers students who want to make a difference. Learn more about the University of Denver.

Please include the following documents with your application:

1. Resume
2. Cover Letter
3. Writing sample (excerpt max 4 pages). If you are not the sole author, provide a brief description of your role in developing the product.

The University of Denver is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital, family, or parental status, pregnancy or related conditions, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. The University of Denver does not discriminate and prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, religion, creed, disability, sex (including sex stereotypes, sex characteristics, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression), marital family, and parental status, pregnancy, genetic information, military enlistment, or veteran status, and any other class of individuals protected from discrimination under federal, state, or local law, regulation, or ordinance in any of the University’s educational programs and activities, and in the employment (including application for employment) and admissions (including application for admission) context, as required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972; the Americans with Disabilities Act; Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973; Title VI and VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964; the Age Discrimination Act of 1975; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967; the Equal Pay Act; the Colorado Equal Pay for Equal Work Act; the Colorado Protecting Opportunities and Worker's Rights ("POWR") Act; and any other federal, state, and local laws, regulations, or ordinances that prohibit discrimination, harassment, and/or retaliation. For more information, please see the University of Denver's Non‑Discrimination‑Statement.

All offers of employment are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a criminal history background check.